LASIK vs PRK

LASIK and PRK are laser procedures that reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors and improve vision.

Laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photo refractive keratectomy (PRK) are two types of laser vision correction used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

What are the differences between LASIK and PRK?

The main difference between LASIK and PRK is in the effect on the cornea:

LASIK: During LASIK, your Henry Ford surgeon creates a flap of corneal tissue, which is then folded out of the way, allowing the laser to reshape the cornea’s inner layers.

PRK: During PRK, no flap is created, and only the cornea’s outer layers are affected.

LASIK and PRK evaluations

If you are a candidate for laser vision correction, your Henry Ford ophthalmologist will conduct a complete exam and evaluation to help you determine which laser vision correction procedure is right for you. Some factors that determine whether LASIK or PRK is best for you include the condition and shape of your cornea as well as your lifestyle.

Why should I choose LASIK?

A wider range of patients is eligible for LASIK, including those with moderate to high nearsightedness. In addition, LASIK may be the best option for you if you:

Have normal corneal thickness

Don’t have any corneal scarring

Have regularly shaped corneas

Need a quicker recovery

Why should I choose PRK?

PRK may be the best option for you if you:

Have thin corneas

Have corneal scarring

Have irregularly shaped corneas

Are seeking a less invasive procedure

Want to avoid the risk of corneal flap complications

Other refractive surgeries

LASIK and PRK are not right for everyone. For example, if you have presbyopia (natural, age-related decrease in reading vision), your Henry Ford ophthalmologist can discuss whether other forms of refractive surgery − including refractive lens exchange − may be right for you.

CareCredit Financing

In an effort to make vision surgery accessible to more people, Henry Ford offers several financing options for you and your family. This includes accepting the CareCredit® credit card, which may be used to pay for LASIK, PRK and refractive lens exchange.

Eye refractive surgery experts

Henry Ford Ophthalmology is a leader in refractive surgery, using the latest in refractive technology to correct refractive errors. Our expert surgeons will complete a thorough evaluation of your eyes and recommend the procedure we feel is safest and best for your eyes. You can also learn more about laser vision correction by reading our FAQs.

At Henry Ford, patients come first.

The Henry Ford Department of Ophthalmology is committed to providing our patients with compassionate, personalized care. We feature the most advanced treatments in eye care and are dedicated to vision research – always staying at the forefront of innovation. A leader in Michigan, as well as one of the largest ophthalmology practices in the United States, we treat more than 55,000 patients per year at 12 locations throughout southeast Michigan. In addition, our team works closely with Henry Ford Medical Group physicians in other departments, providing multidisciplinary, coordinated care for those patients who need it.

Schedule Appointment Online

If you can't find a date/time that works for you please call the provider’s office. Not all appointment types at all locations are available online.

Henry Ford Health System is committed to ensuring our Deaf or hard-of-hearing patients and visitors have equal access to all services. We provide the appropriate auxiliary aids and services, including qualified sign language interpreters, TTYs and other assistive listening devices, at no cost. To request assistance, call 313-916-1896 or email CommunicationAccess@hfhs.org.